Understanding Immunity and Its Role in Autoimmune Conditions
Immunity is the body’s defense system that allows both innate (hardwired) and adaptive (learned) resistance to disease. The immune system protects us by identifying and eliminating harmful organisms, acting like the body’s “military system.” It recognizes invaders and destroys them before they can cause harm.
When it comes to managing autoimmune conditions, it’s crucial to understand the different components of the immune system. This system is divided into two major parts: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
Innate (Acquired) Immunity: The First Line of Defense
Innate immunity is your body’s immediate response system. It protects against any foreign organism, recognizing and responding quickly to threats. This is the body’s initial, non-specific defense mechanism.
Adaptive Immunity: The Learned Response
Adaptive immunity is more specialized. It develops over time as the body encounters specific threats, “learning” to recognize harmful substances. This part of the immune system takes longer to activate, as it requires the development of antibodies that tag foreign invaders, making it easier for immune cells to eliminate them.
The Immune System and T-Helper Cells
- TH-1 (T-Helper-1): Responsible for the innate immune response, or the first attack on foreign invaders.
- TH-2 (T-Helper-2): Facilitates the production of antibodies, forming part of the adaptive immune response.
- TH-3 (T-Helper-3): Acts as the regulatory system, maintaining the balance between TH-1 and TH-2.
- TH-17 (T-Helper-17): Determines the strength of the immune system’s attack. When TH-17 activity is elevated, the immune system is more aggressive, which can lead to increased autoimmune reactivity and tissue destruction.
TH-17 and Autoimmunity
TH-17 cells release pro-inflammatory molecules that can cause prolonged tissue inflammation and destruction. When overactive, TH-17 cells fuel autoimmune “flare-ups” and worsen tissue damage. Two natural inhibitors that can reduce the destructive effects of TH-17 are Resveratrol and Curcumin, both of which have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Nitric Oxide and Autoimmunity
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas in the body that serves as a signaling molecule, playing roles in both normal physiological functions and disease processes. There are three types of nitric oxide, two of which are beneficial, and one—inducible nitric oxide—can be harmful in autoimmune conditions.
When autoimmune activity increases TH-17 levels, it stimulates the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to produce more inducible nitric oxide. Elevated nitric oxide contributes to the destruction of body tissues, including the immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues.
Supporting a balanced nitric oxide system by inhibiting iNOS can help dampen autoimmune reactions. Supplements like Nitric Balance can help reduce excessive immune activity.
Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity
The digestive tract, or intestinal mucosa, acts as a barrier to protect the body from harmful substances. When this barrier is compromised due to inflammation, the tight junctions in the gut lining become permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is commonly referred to as Leaky Gut.
Once these substances enter the bloodstream, the immune system reacts to them, further inflaming the gut and perpetuating a cycle of inflammation. This leads to immune “confusion,” causing the body to lose its ability to distinguish between self and foreign invaders, which contributes to the development of chronic autoimmune diseases.
Glutathione: Your Body’s Master Antioxidant
Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, helping protect against environmental triggers and stressors. Under normal conditions, your body produces enough glutathione to manage these stressors. However, chronic stress from factors like high-carb diets, food intolerances, gut infections, and lack of sleep can deplete glutathione levels.
When glutathione levels are sufficient, your body can neutralize inflammation before it becomes destructive. When depleted, inflammation becomes unchecked, leading to a destructive immune response.
Key Strategies for Supporting Immune Health:
- Remove stressors that deplete antioxidants and cause inflammation.
- Boost glutathione levels through supplementation and lifestyle changes.
Autoimmunity: A Loss of Self-Tolerance
Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system loses its ability to differentiate between its own tissues and harmful invaders. This confusion leads to the immune system attacking healthy tissues, causing chronic inflammation and damage.
Relevant Lab Tests to Consider
- Intestinal Permeability & Cross-Reactive Foods: Cyrex Labs Arrays #2, 3, 4, & 10
- Compromised Adrenal Function: DiagnosTech – Adrenal Stress Index
- GI Microbial Imbalance (Dysbiosis) & Gut Infections: Genova Diagnostics – GI Effects
- Vitamin D Deficiency, Glucose Imbalance, Viral Immune Burden: Standard blood chemistry panels
If you’re dealing with an autoimmune condition or suspect immune dysfunction, consider scheduling a complimentary consultation to explore these testing options and develop a personalized plan.
